Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Captain Will Riker noted that he’d reached his destination nearly two minutes early, and decided to take that as a good omen.
Standing alone in the dimly illuminated main observation lounge, he paused to gaze out the panoramic window and take in the breathtaking vista it displayed. He looked outward across Titan’s broad bow into the mysterious, tantalizingly luminescent depths of the Gum Nebula that lay in the starship’s path.What are we accomplishing out here, really? he thought. Lately his dreams had been plagued by images gathered from a dozen or more worlds—Federation members and allies—that had been hit hardest during the Last Borg Invasion. Deneva, Vulcan, Andor, Tellar, Qo’noS, none of these planets were done picking up the pieces yet. Could they ever recover fully, considering how much wholesale death the Borg Collective had dealt?
Riker turned and glanced around the observation lounge’s interior. He had ordered that the room be made available exclusively to him at fifteen hundred hours, the scheduled time of his conference with Admiral de la Fuego. He would have preferred to have Deanna at his side, considering one of the topics to be discussed. However, this was a command-level affair, for the captain’s eyes and ears only. Some of the ground to be covered would be sensitive, which was why he wanted the meeting conducted in full three-dimensional holography. If Admiral de la Fuego expected to ram an unpalatable policy down his throat, she’d damned well better be prepared to look him straight in the eye when she did it.

And here is the massively underwhelming cover for the TNG quotes book. Their listing also gives new authors; Marcus Riley and Ben Robinson, who previously brought us the Haynes USS Enterprise Manual. They would appear to have replaced Carlo DeVito who was initially listed for the book but who's name was later removed from listings.

The Simon and Schuster digital catalogue has been updated with a new blurb for the next Starfleet Academy book, due out in August 2013. The book doesn't yet have a title, or even an author listed. Sounds like they're jumping around the timeline a bit, with this blurb suggesting we're back in first year, while the most recent book in the series,The Assassination Game, was in at least the second year.

It has been six months since James Kirk joined the Starfleet Academy. The rebellious young Kirk is used to doing things his way, but the Academy is showing him how to transform his headstrong attitude and ambition into qualities that will make him a leader.

In the fifth installment of the Starfleet Academy series, Kirk and his classmates are faced with conflicts greater than they could ever have imagined…. But if anyone’s equipped to take on a challenge, it’s the students of Starfleet Academy!

A couple of the authors of the 2013 TOS novels have also made comments (on the TrekBBS) on the blurbs for their books posted a few days ago. Tony Daniel had this to say about his book, Devil's Bargain (original blurb follows):

The colonial world is not a mining colony, but a producer of a beer famous in the local sector. The Horta are are recruited to help avoid an asteroid strike that's going to destroy the colony.

Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise are sent to evacuate the Federation mining colony Vesbius, a frontier settlement that is on the brink of an extinction-level event, threatening the lives of all the colonists and the disruption of ore production vital to Starfleet. However, the colonists refuse to abandon this settlement, not wanting to leave their claims. It is after these irrational decisions that Spock suggests that perhaps an unexpected ally could aid the colony and help complete the mission....

...based on an old draft of the outline. There is no "Coven" in the actual book.

Kirk, Spock, and Sulu must protect the remote Federation colony of Ephrata from the dreaded Coven—beings from another galaxy who are seeking starships much like the Enterprise to spread from world to world, opening gateways between dimensions to eventually conquer the entire Federation.

Saturday, 28 July 2012

Sean Tourangeau, designer of the Luna class USS Titan (star of the Star Trek: Titan series) has launched a new website dedicated to the Titan. There you can find information on the series and characters, schematics, 3D renders, and even coverage of the real world model which was made.

It's pretty comprehensive; the only thing missing really seems to be information about the design contest that led Sean to design the Titan in the first place. Unfortunately the page with the competition results (and runner up designs) seems to have been removed from Simon and Schuster's website - Did anyone manage to save that page? I'd like to add that lost information to the 8of5 Archive.

Coming in the future Sean has pages waiting for Titan art, and his mirror universe versions of the series. Joe Corroney hinted a little while back that the Titan might be in IDW's new Hive comic series soon too, and we're still waiting for her to get into a Ships of the Line calendar some time (if I keep mentioning that it will happen some time right?), so hopefully there will be room for those when they come too.

Anywho, you should all make your way to Sean's site to oggle at the Titan. Here's a sample of what he has on show there:

PS. Titan fans should also be pleased to see that the latest novel, Fallen Gods, is out right about now.

Wednesday, 25 July 2012

It's probably too soon to hope this calendar might have been able to plunder the newly scanned TNG negs from the bluray remastering team, but this looks rather fuzzy to me; hopefully just a mock-up...

This is the first TNG calendar since the Nemesis edition in 2004! And as this is overtly tying into the 25th anniversary I rather expect it will be the last for a while again - So make the most of it TNG fans!

Tuesday, 24 July 2012

After a particularly horrifying experience, Captain James T. Kirk starts down the path toward something he believes he might regret for the rest of his days: accepting a commission as an admiral working at Starfleet Headquarters on Earth, far removed from the mysteries and adventures of deep-space exploration. Knowing that the Enterprise’s five-year mission is coming to an end and not wanting to forever be a wandering soul, Kirk must decide if this promotion is worthy of his true destiny or merely a temporary lapse in judgment....

Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise are sent to evacuate the Federation mining colony Vesbius, a frontier settlement that is on the brink of an extinction-level event, threatening the lives of all the colonists and the disruption of ore production vital to Starfleet. However, the colonists refuse to abandon this settlement, not wanting to leave their claims. It is after these irrational decisions that Spock suggests that perhaps an unexpected ally could aid the colony and help complete the mission....

Kirk, Spock, and Sulu must protect the remote Federation colony of Ephrata from the dreaded Coven—beings from another galaxy who are seeking starships much like the Enterprise to spread from world to world, opening gateways between dimensions to eventually conquer the entire Federation.

En route to a diplomatic mission, the Enterprise receives a distress call from the USS McRaven. As the Enterprise approaches the area where the McRaven appears to be, the crew encounters an anomoly unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Space itself seems inconsistent—warping, changing appearance. But during the brief periods of calm, they locate the McRave—along with other ships of various origins, all tightly surrounding and being held in place by an enormous unidentified vessel....

Thursday, 19 July 2012

They also posted a new interview with CBS's producer and director of special features, Roger Lay, Jr., in which he discussed the approach they are taking with the new extra features in this season and beyond.

Some of the highlights he noted from season one:

The process of going back to the original film elements in order to rebuild the episodes from the ground up allowed us to get our hands on material that had never been seen by the public before. David Grant, Ryan Adams, Angelo Dante, Craig Weiss and the team at CBS Digital have found amazing footage that we have been able to incorporate into the body of the documentaries you'll find on the season one Blu-ray set. We also have cast and crew members commenting on these discoveries and sharing some incredible stories to go along with these really fascinating visuals.

At times it was information we got from the cast and crew during our interviews that led to some amazing discoveries. For example, Rick Berman, Dorothy Fontana, David Gerrold and Patrick Stewart all told us about an actor Dorothy had introduced to Gene Roddenberry early on during the casting process who became his first choice for the role of Captain Picard. After hearing this, we went ahead and reached out to him and were utterly surprised and thrilled when he confirmed the story and agreed to come in for an interview. So for the first time ever, fans will get to hear from the man who was almost cast as the Captain of the Enterprise-D and the story on how he ended up passing on such an amazing opportunity is really compelling. There’s also a really fun Easter egg featuring Brent Spiner which we’ve included on disc six which I’m hoping the fans will find! None of the early reviewers have mentioned it, so I guess they haven’t come across it yet.

He also talked about the efforts they are making to have the new extra features work as a whole across the release of the seven seasons, giving an in-depth look into the creation of TNG. He highlighted some of the features plans for future seasons:

Along with the individual interviews for the documentaries, we've also been able to get the entire cast of the show together for a really intimate reunion piece. I think fans are going to be very surprised with that one. It’s just wonderful to see them all together again as a family. It could be a one-hour network television special, but the only way to see it is on the season-two Blu-ray set. There's also a standalone piece I'm really excited about that we are calling Inside the Writer's Room. It will feature key staff writers from the show, including Ron Moore, Brannon Braga, Rene Echevarria and Naren Shankar. These guys have gone on to incredible careers since TNG wrapped and you'll see them together again, taking fans through the process of coming up with and breaking a story for TNG. We also have Seth McFarlane, who created Family Guy and is a huge TNG fan, discussing the impact TNG had on his career and modern science fiction programming.

Down the line we also have a piece on the directors of the show, a piece on the music of TNG, and a tribute to Michael Piller for season three. We've shot over 100 hours of all new interviews with cast and crew with a very specific plan in mind in terms of how we would use these interviews to build all the documentaries and supplemental pieces.

You can read the full interview, and see some new sample images, on StarTrek.com.

The Tholian Orb Weaver is essentially a very large, advanced Science Vessel. Bridge Officer stations favor science, although there is a Lieutenant Commander Universal Bridge Officer station. As a Science Vessel, it is capable of Subsystem Targeting as well as Sensor Analysis. The Orb Weaver, of course, comes with a Tholian Web Generator console. This console allows you to create an energy web around your target, capturing and eventually crushing them. The Tholian Web Generator can be equipped in any console slot, but only on the Tholian Orb Weaver or the Tholian Recluse Carrier.

The Tholian Orb Weaver also comes with a Thermionic Torpedo Launcher. Thermionic Torpedoes are capable of draining the target's Weapon and Engine Subsystems with each hit, reducing its damage output and speed temporarily.

The Tholian Recluse Carrier comes standard with 2 hangar bays of Tholian Widow Fighters. Widow fighters are armed with Tetryon Beams and Quantum Torpedoes. The Widows are also designed to work with the Recluse's Tetryon Grid Console. This console creates a grid of Tetryon Energy that buffs ally energy damage and causes your Tholian Widow Fighters to reflect 2 Tetryon beam attacks at nearby enemy targets. Tholian Widow Fighters and the Tetryon Grid Console may only be equipped on the Tholian Recluse Carrier. The console may be placed in any console slot.

The Tholian Recluse Carrier comes with a Thermionic Torpedo Launcher. Thermionic Torpedoes are capable of draining the target's Weapon and Engine Subsystems with each hit, reducing its damage output and speed temporarily. The Recluse Carrier may be equipped with a Tholian Web Generator Console if you obtain one.

The Tholian Widow is small, nimble fighter. It comes with a Tetryon Beam Array and a Thermionic Torpedo Launcher. Thermionic Torpedoes are capable of draining the target's Weapon and Engine Subsystems with each hit, reducing its damage output and speed temporarily.

All equipment that comes with the Tholian Widow Fighter can only be used on other small craft.

The Mirror Universe Assault Cruiser looks more like our Prime Universe Star Cruiser, but has more of a tactical advantage in Bridge Officer Seating and Console Configuration. It is only available to Federation captains and may be obtained in the Tholian Lock Box.

The Mirror Assault Cruiser configuration includes the mirror version of the Avenger, Vanguard, and Emissary class.

The Mirror Universe Star Cruiser looks more like our Prime Universe Assault Cruiser, but has more of a science advantage in Bridge Officer Seating and Console Configuration. It is only available to Federation captains and may be obtained in the Tholian Lock Box.

The Mirror Star Cruiser configuration includes the mirror version of the Sovereign, Noble, and Majestic class.

The Mirror Vor'cha Battle Cruiser favors science Bridge Officer Seating and Console Slots more than the Prime Universe version does. It is only available to Klingon captains and may be obtained in the Tholian Lock Box.

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

There's just a week to go until the release of Star Trek: The Next Generation season one on bluray, but I'm sure it's the later seasons we're all itching to see in HD - Fortunately TrekCore have a trailer for season two to give us a taste of what's to come. Bluray Borg anyone?

The trailer also gives us a peak at the lovely golden cover for season 2:

TrekCore also recently reported from the TNG panel at Comic Con, where CBS's Ryan Adams mentioned that they are already considering the possibility of DS9 in HD too. It was apparently the overwhelming interest from fans for TNG in HD that helped push that agenda, and he wants to hear from us if we want DS9 too: "If this is what you want, make it vocal – especially now with social media, Facebook, Twitter, Blogging – you guys let us know what you want next. We want to please the fans and give them what they want.".

So Mr Adams, yes I very very much want DS9 in HD, and Voyager, and Enterprise! Heck you don't even have to convert the last one! Also TAS would be awesome, especially if you made a new TAS episode using the all the original cast voice recordings made for the lamented Secret of Vulcan Fury video game...

Bradford Exchange's latest Star Trek sculpture is kicking off a Star Trek series in their nauseatingly cute Precious Moments range. First in the Star Trek line will be Captain Kirk, with Spock, Uhura, McCoy and more to follow if you sign up to their subscription:

You can see some of Bradford's past efforts in John Tenuto's handy flickr set. Something I found in that gallery was that Funko did a couple of PeanutsStar Trek figures in their Wacky Wobblers range as a Comic Con exclusive in 2007. Snoopy and "Woodspock", cute, but less annoyingly so than Captain Precious:

DST first revealed they were working on an Excelsior class model in 2009! Almost four years later they are finally releasing that model into the wild, with their latest starship model, the USS Enterprise-B, set to launch in January next year, according to Toy News International. Here's how they describe her:

A Diamond Select Release! Designed by Art Asylum! The long wait is over! The Enterprise B is finally ready to leave drydock! One of the most fan-requested Star Trek ships, the Excelsior-class starship is finally on its way as an electronic ship replica from Diamond Select! Packaged in a "Try Me" window box so customers can test its movie-accurate lights and sounds, the Enterprise B measures 16 inches long and comes with a display stand.

Cryptic have launched Star Trek Online's latest major update, Season 6: Under Siege. There's a big emthasis on fleets in this release, with the introduction of new fleet starbases. There's also new bad guys, in the form of the Tholians. Here's a trailer:

Alongside the new season launch is a new lock box release. This time they're Tholian themed. The highlight item avaiable in these boxes is a Tholian Orb Weaver, there are also three mirror universe ships:

Also in the boxes are lobi crystals, which can be exchanged for other things, such a Tholian Widow Fighter, Tholian Recluse Carrier, or crystal sword:

Also out this week is the eleventh issue in the Star Trek ongoing series, and we're in for a tribbley treat with a new story "inspired" by "The Trouble with Tribbles". We kick things off with a tribblesome flashback (seven page preview continues after the jump):

Out this week is the third issue in the TNG/Doctor Who crossover, Assimilation2. This one features a TOS flashback with art by The Sharp Brothers. But before that the regular series artist, J.K. Woodward, kicks things off with a spectacular dash from the Borg/Cybermen armada (seven page preview continues after the jump):

As IDW's Star Trek comics have been so heavily dominated by TOS, the TNG series aren't actually that numerous, so this book will likely contain all four of IDW's TNG series to date (indeed Amazon list the authors and artists of them all):

Star Trek looks to be the latest line to join DST's "Select" line of action figures. Starting in 2002 with Marvel Select, the Select line is a seven inch scale range of detailed action figures, often coming with accessories and chunks of scenery. Following the popularity of the Marvel line, DST have expanded the range to include Universal Monsters, The Munsters, and Alice: The Madness Returns figures. The first figure in the new Star Trek range was revealed at the Comic Con this week: Spock, with a Horta and section of Janus VI tunnel.

I believe this will be the first figure/sculpture of a Horta ever released! The Spock figure can also be reconfigured into a standing position:

It turns out they had some concept art on show for this at the Toy Fair earlier in the year, which also reveals where the line will go next, as they also had art up for a Kirk v Khan set:

Titan Merchandise have announced three new busts in their Star Trek Masterpiece Collection at the Comic Con. StarTrek.com have posted images of these latest additions: Uhura, Soctty, and Worf:

The first six busts in the series, which were initially expected to start appearing back in February, still don't appear to be out yet; with ever shifting and inconsistent release dates available depending which retailer you ask. They're all available for pre-order though:

Star Trek fans of a certain vintage will recall that in the late 1970s and early 1980’s, newspapers across the country published a daily Star Trek comic strip. The weekday and Saturday strips ran in black and white, while the Sunday strips ran in color. Star Trek: The Newspaper Strip, Vol. 1 gathers together the first 10 full story arcs, which picked up after the events of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Writer-illustrator Thomas Warkentin handled the initial arcs, and Sharman DiVono (writer) and Ron Harris (artist) eventually took over from Warkentin.

The strips have been painstakingly and lovingly restored by the Library of American Comics. Further, Trek expert Rich Handley will offer a detailed introduction, summarizing the strip’s history. “Even most diehard Trek fans have never seen these strips,” says series editor Dean Mullaney. “It’s going to be a real treat!” Star Trek: The Newspaper Strip, Vol. 1 will be presented in an 8.5”x11” hardcover book priced at $49.99

Penned by Mike Johnson, with art by Stephen Molnar and a cover by Tim Bradstreet, this title continues the countdown to the Star Trek sequel. In it, Scotty and his alien sidekick Keenser meet for the first time. Star Trek (2009) writer/producer Roberto Orci oversees this all-new story, while variant covers will include a photo and a Tim Bradstreet sketch.

Picard and his shipmates and the Doctor and his Companions race the clock to save the galaxy from a CyberBorg onslaught. Scott and David Tipton, with Tony Lee, are the writers, while J.K. Woodward handles the art and cover. Be sure to ask your local retailer about an Emanuela Lupacchino incentive cover.

Hive #2

Written by Brannon Braga, Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett, is the second of an exciting, four-part adventure in which Captain Picard and the Enterprise crew team up with the Borg to fight a common enemy. The art and cover of this title are by Joe Corroney, and be on the lookout for a David Messina “Famous Borgs in History” cover.

The countdown to the second Star Trek movie continues here! In "The Return of the Archons!", Kirk, Spock, and the crew search for a lost Starfleet ship that may hold clues to the future of the entire Federation. And in "The Truth About Tribbles!", the crew of the Enterprise encounters the classic alien species in an all-new story inspired by the fan-favorite episode. Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci oversees this latest chapter in the ongoing adventures of the starship Enterprise.

The Trek Collective is not affiliated with CBS Studios or Paramount Pictures. Star Trek ®, in all its various forms, is a trademark of CBS Studios and Paramount Pictures. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective holders.